Liposuction
At Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery, we believe that looking good and feeling good should go hand-in-hand. Exercising and eating healthfully have many benefits, but they can’t always deliver the aesthetic results you want. Liposuction at our Ashburn, Virginia practice can eliminate excess fat for a smaller waist, flatter tummy, and improved body contours. Dr. Larry Lickstein, our board-certified plastic surgeon, offers liposuction in Loudoun County with custom-tailored treatment plans and natural-looking results.
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What is Liposuction?
Liposuction, sometimes called lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove fat from targeted areas. Liposuction is an effective body contouring procedure on its own; Dr. Lickstein also combines his skill and artistry to use liposuction techniques to contour and optimize the results of other cosmetic procedures such as tummy tuck or customized mommy makeover treatment plan. Liposuction is highly customizable and can be performed on many areas of the body.
What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated With Liposuction?
- Abdomen
- Waist
- “Love handles”
- Outer thighs
- Inner thighs and knees
- Upper arms
- Hips
- Back
- Neck
Benefits of Liposuction
- Removes stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise
- Shapes and contours for a more proportionate figure
- Highly customizable to meet each patient’s aesthetic goals
- Increases self-esteem and confidence
Liposuction—What to Expect
Preparing for Liposuction
During your consultation appointment with Dr. Lickstein, he will discuss your concerns and goals, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam. He will also explain your treatment options and answer any questions you have about liposuction. If Dr. Lickstein determines that you are a good candidate and you decide that liposuction is right for you, he will give you detailed pre-operative instructions prior to your surgery date.
What Happens During Liposuction
Liposuction is typically an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia. In some cases in which a very small area is being treated, local anesthetic with light sedation may be used. Dr. Lickstein will make very small incisions in the treatment area and will prepare the fat for removal by injecting a solution containing saline, lidocaine and epinephrine to improve safety and comfort and facilitate fat removal. He will then use a combination of techniques to break up and emulsify the fat before using a cannula to suction it away. After the fat is removed Dr. Lickstein and his surgical team employ a massage therapy process to get smooth and natural-looking body contouring results.
Recovery After Liposuction
You should plan to have a friend or family member drive you home after your procedure. You will need to wear a special compression garment to prevent swelling during recovery. You will need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks after surgery. Dr. Lickstein will see you for a post-op visit the day after your surgery and will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and results throughout the year.
Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction are in good health with favorable skin elasticity and at a stable body weight that is within 30% of their ideal. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure—it is intended to be used for contouring and to remove stubborn fat deposits, but patients with obesity are not typically candidates for liposuction. People who have lost a significant amount of weight should wait until they have maintained a healthy weight for at least one year before having liposuction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
Is there a non-surgical alternative to liposuction?
If you have small amounts of unwanted fat and are interested in a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, CoolSculpting® Elite or EmSculpt Neo® may be right for you.
Will liposuction eliminate cellulite?
Liposuction is very effective at removing fat, but it is not intended for cellulite reduction. If cellulite dimpling is a concern, we recommend adding QWO cellulite treatment or EMTONE® to your body contouring plan.
Will fat come back after liposuction?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in the treated area. Keeping up a healthy lifestyle will help you maintain a leaner look, as fat cells can still grow in other, untreated areas.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Any surgical procedure carries some risk of side effects or complications. While rare, possible risks of liposuction include infection, blood loss, or blood clots.2 You can minimize your risk by choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.
How much does liposuction cost?
Liposuction pricing is variable, as it is always customized for the individual patient. The cost of your liposuction will depend on the treatment area, amount of fat to be removed, length of operative procedure and any accompanying procedures, and can be discussed at your consultation appointment.
Contact Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery
At Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery, we value our patient relationships and we strive to bring you the very best in plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments. Dr. Lickstein is highly regarded for his skill and artistry as well as his dedication to empowering his patients. Contact us to learn more or schedule your consultation appointment.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2019/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2019.pdf Accessed November 20, 2020.
2 Mayo Clinic. Liposuction. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586 Accessed April 7, 2022.